Global Scans · Economy · Weekly Summary

DRIVER: The global economy still faces serious headwinds and political uncertainty potentially balanced by the enormous promise of technological advancements in many fields. Read on to get a solid handle on the opportunities and risks you and your organization may likely face and set your sails accordingly.

• [New] Retail executives recognize the economic potential and importance of AI: 78% agree with the statement that AI will increase overall economic productivity and stimulate economic growth by 2030. valantic
• [New] By 2026, artificial intelligence will be used particularly frequently in production workflows, maintenance procedures, quality control, resource optimization, warehouse technology, and planning. bakedwith GmbH
• [New] Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to global health and exerts an increasing economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. PubMed
• [New] The US aviation industry is pressing the Federal Aviation Administration to extend until mid-2032 the deadline for upgrading 58,600 radio altimeters across 41,000 aircraft to withstand interference from 5G cellular signals, citing supply chain constraints and unrealistic production timelines. FlightGlobal
• [New] Countries confirm biggest emergency oil release in history: Member countries of the International Energy Agency confirmed they will release 400 million barrels of oil, in a bid to counter soaring prices and the risk of a supply shock from the war in Iran. Politico
• [New] Higher oil prices will have a ripple effect across the global economy. UK | Intermediary
• [New] Alberta's economy, which was already on track to grow around 1.8% in 2026, will get a boost from soaring oil prices, positioning it to continue outperforming many other provinces. BDC.ca
• [New] The rise in energy prices will obviously push up inflation, but we do not expect it to exceed 3% on a sustained basis in Canada this year. BDC.ca
• [New] Poor countries, relentlessly battered by the neo-liberal global economy, will greatly benefit if BRICS succeeds in forging a new world order and usher in an era of self-sufficiency and economic independence. BRICS
• [New] The carbon tax rate will next go up in 2026 and 2027 to $45 a tonne, and could reach between $50 and $80 a tonne by 2030. ST
• [New] The creator economy is projected to be worth $480 billion by 2027, but musicians have historically been underserved by the platforms driving that growth. TechBullion
• [New] India is seeing an impact on manufacturing and other activity, as key industries struggle with shortages and higher prices, raising the risk of a prolonged drag on growth. financialpost
• [New] Russia's war against Ukraine, intensifying systemic rivalry with China, pandemic-era supply-chain disruptions, and shifting US policies have reshaped Brussels' economic philosophy. gmfus
• [New] Global bond yields jumped on Friday, weighing on stocks amid concern that a protracted war in Iran will keep energy prices high and fuel inflation. Barchart.com
• [New] India and other Asia-Pacific economies could face rising credit stress if the ongoing Gulf conflict persists, as higher energy prices and supply disruptions ripple through global markets. Economic Times
• [New] Services inflation's stickiness, housing cost persistence, and potential supply chain disruptions from geopolitical events all threaten to keep inflation above the Fed's target for longer than anticipated. Libertify.com
• [New] Tech growth projections for 2026 might fall short if overall economic conditions weaken, leading businesses to cut or delay technology spending. Comptia
• [New] Faster adoption of advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence without the employment destruction many fear, enhances productivity and lifts global output and corporate profitability, reinforcing a more constructive economic backdrop. Saward Dawson
• [New] If AGI is achieved, the next phase of development will focus on scaling intelligence safely while integrating it into global economic and technological systems. Bitget
• [New] If the Strait of Hormuz, which is already closed to most tanker traffic for nearly a month, remains blocked for another month or two, oil prices could jump to as high as $150 and even $200 per barrel, forcing a global economic shock. investing.com
• [New] Oil prices could hit a record $200 per barrel if the war in the Middle East drags on through the entire second quarter. investing.com
• [New] The surge in energy prices raises short-term inflation risks but deteriorates the medium-term growth outlook, potentially forcing the ECB to shift towards policy easing. investing.com
• [New] For 2026, we expect federal decision-makers to support initiatives that align with government policy and contribute to desired outcomes of enhanced productivity, economic growth and improving affordability for Canadians. / Canada JD Supra

Last updated: 31 March 2026